ALONSO: "LENS WILL WANT TO DOMINATE THE GAME AND WE WILL HAVE TO DISRUPT THEIR PRESSURE""

Diego Alonso spoke at Bollaert-Delelis ahead of the match against RC Lens. Our coach emphasised that the team is aware of what is at stake: "We are clear about what we have to do, that's the first thing. We always have to find solutions in the face of adversity or difficulty, but what cannot change is the intention to compete. We know the difficulty we will face tomorrow, not only due to the absences but also because of the opponent and the competition. In this Champions League match, we cannot afford mistakes because, in this competition, every detail is crucial." Regarding our opponent, he said, "Lens are a team that applies a lot of pressure, are dynamic and physical, and they will want to dominate throughout the game. We have to try to break that pressure through our own game. Against similar opponents, we have been able to achieve it at times, and tomorrow we have to play well if we want to cause damage and win the match."

He was also asked about luck, and he said, "I train 'luck' every day from seven in the morning to seven in the evening when I am at the club. That is the best way to reverse the situation when we are not in the best form, and rest assured because we will fight to turn this around." He reiterated that he feels supported by the club and the players: "I feel fully valued, and everyone gives me confidence. The players show it to me in every match despite the results, but they continue to do things better. I have always been self-critical here, but on the other hand, I know that I am supported by the people who work for us and by the players on the field."

"For us, it is motivating to be able to play with our fans, and this situation would be one more reason to dedicate the victory to them."

He also spoke about the improvement of the group: "If there were no connection, it would not be seen in the games we are playing. We have seen that we had the opportunity to train during the international break and improve, although we have not been able to win due to small details and because we have not been as efficient as we could have been. We have a squad of players that should allow us to score more goals and win more games. The best response is what the players can give us in each match." He emphasised the need to keep working to find the turning point.  "We have to put setbacks behind us. It happened against Real Madrid, Arsenal, and in each one... Cádiz, Celta, Mallorca... it has been common, but we have had countless unfavorable situations, and we have to keep pushing to turn it around. For me, the important thing is what to do with the systems, not just any style of play."

To finish he was asked about Rafa Mir, as well as the fans, whom he hopes to see in the stands of the French stadium on Tuesday: "We have confidence in Rafa. In the last game, it wasn't necessarily set up to suit his play style. Regarding the fans, we are concerned, and it seems unusual because for us, it is motivating to play with them, and it's one more reason to give everything for the win for them."